Workplace issues involving relationship difficulties are some of the toughest challenges to resolve. More often than not difficulties are avoided in the hope they may disappear and formal disciplinary options are frequently inappropriate.

While mediation is not a panacea for all ‘relationship’ problems, it has proven to be effective when its intervention is carefully planned. So when faced with "people problems" consider a climate assessment which offers:

• an independent assessment of the issues and some direction amidst the uncertainties;
• a means of determining the best timing for mediation, the appropriate people to attend and any necessary pre-mediation work they may benefit from;
• an assurance that all efforts are being thoroughly explored before any possible legal escalation of the situation.

As distinct from a formal investigation and the direct apportioning of blame, the purpose of a Climate Assessment is to identify a constructive path forward. A non-threatening process will invariably identify, more effectively, the real underlying problems.

Achieving meaningful progress in this area is, however, not a soft option. Hard issues may need confronting and ultimately some clear challenges can be posed.